We Operate United

Established in 1978, United Scrap Metal has grown from $200 and a rental truck to one of the largest full-service recyclers in the country.

United Scrap Metal offers recycling solutions guided by decades of experience and a firm commitment to doing the right thing. We are passionate about making a positive difference for our customers, consumers, and communities.

1978

United Scrap Metal Founded by Marsha Serlin with $200 and a Rental Truck

1994

Successfully Implemented Statewide “Single Source” Utility Recycling Program in Illinois

1996

Recipient of the Small Business Administration (SBA) National Subcontractor of the Year Award

2000

Expanded Utility Prescence in the Midwest via Implementation of Multiple Large-scale Programs

2004

Won 1st Aurubis Outstanding Supplier Award

Established National Strategic Alliance with large Aluminum Distributor

2005

Won Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Created Formal Partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities

2009

Won Crain’s Chicago Fast 50 Award – Four Consecutive Years

2011

Brad Serlin Wins Boys Scouts of America Good Scout Award

Won Alcoa Preferred Scrap Supplier Award – Four Consecutive Years

2012

RSM Lifetime Manufacturing Achievement Award

2015

Won Olin Corporation Top Scrap Supplier Award

2016

Jodi Keller Wins Manufacturing Institute Step Ahead Award

Marsha Serlin Wins Platts Global Award CEO of the Year

2017

Exelon Diverse Supplier of the Year Award

2018

ISRI Safety Excellence & Superior Transportation Fleet Awards

2019

EHS Today America’s Safest Place to Work

Platts Global Metals Award Scrap & Recycling Industry Leadership – Two Consecutive Years

2020

Certified as a Great Place To Work

VIA SPARK Award Recipients – Four Consecutive Years

COSE Occupational Award Recipient

2021

DLI Governors Award for Safety Excellence

 

Won National Private Truck Council (NPTC) Gold Seal Award

Diversity is our legacy, Equity is our responsibility, Inclusion is our culture

At United Scrap Metal (USM), diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are as a Woman Owned Company. These purposeful values are central to our mission of making a positive impact in the lives of others. We find diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and ethnicities to be imperative. In addition, recognizing they are vital to our growth. USM is committed to ensuring the foundation of our organization mirrors our community, customer base, and supplier partnerships while continuing to evolve into the future.

We are proud to be a WBENC Certified Women-Owned Business.

United Scrap Metal will help you fulfill your supplier diversity requirements. Leveraging our status as a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) will enable you to achieve your target procurement levels.

100% of United Scrap Metal’s purchase of recycled materials is applicable towards your diversity spend goal.

We know that supplier diversity is about increasing opportunities. If your business would like to be considered as a supplier or if you have questions or need information about United Scrap Metal’s commitment to DE&I, please reach out to diversity@unitedscrap.com

Recycling Education with Tomorrows Leaders at Recycle with RMHC
Women in Manufacturing Illinois Touring the USM Recycling Facility
Illinois Parks and Recreation Day 2021
USM at Christopher House - United Garden & Environmental Learning Lab Dedication
40th Book Reading at Wissahickon Charter School
Women Leaders of United Scrap Metal
United Scrap Metal Team Members - United in Purpose
Recycling Education with Tomorrows Leaders at Recycle with RMHC

We are invested in our communities with our hearts and our hands.

We operate with a commitment to integrity and a dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others – it’s part of our company DNA. Exemplifying our core value of service, we are dedicated to helping with charitable endeavors in youth leadership, local sports, arts & education, and sustainability.

We focus on building authentic partnerships within our communities through philanthropic donations and volunteer work and are proud to support over 100 local and national non-profit organizations. including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Special Olympics, United Way, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and Make a Wish Foundation.

Our longstanding relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities across our footprint exemplifies our commitment to our communities. Together, through our recycling and fundraising initiatives, we have raised millions of dollars to provide a ‘home away from home’ for families of hospitalized children.

Read more about our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Recycle with Ronald McDonald House Charities 2021

United Scrap Metal and Ronald McDonald House Charities: A Great Partnership

“From the moment we were introduced to United Scrap Metal, they have been a proactive partner of RMHC. Not only do they serve as a trusted partner for our recycling program, but they lend their support in strategic management through board service, event support, sponsorships, and overall advocacy. I can honestly say that RMHC is better off today because United Scrap Metal walks hand-in-hand with us as we support the families of sick and injured children.” – RMHC

We have spearheaded a number of unique initiatives over the years to support the important work RMHC does every day – and we’ve engaged our customers, vendors, and consumers along the way.

Our Recycling Rebate Program provides an opportunity for our customers to donate a percentage of their overall recycling revenue to help RMHC on an ongoing basis.

For years, we have facilitated and distributed necessary material for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana’s annual Pop Tab Recycling Program, recycling more than 400,000 pop tabs since the start of the program.

The Recycle for Ronald Event is an annual, family-friendly event held at our facility that brings together customers, families, and members of the surrounding community. A portion of all recycling from the day, as well as donations from customers and attendees, goes to RMHC-CNI. Over the years, we have raised over $2,000,000, accounting for approximately 30,000 nights that families are able to stay at a Ronald McDonald House location.

Across our footprint, our facilities support Ronald McDonald House Charities Telethons, where all funds raised benefit families staying at RMHC facilities in the corresponding regions.

We lend our support wherever we can, whether through participation on fundraising boards or project committees, co-chairing annual galas or coordinating trips to local facilities to assist in cooking or cleaning for the children and their families.

Earth Day 2021 Parks & Rec Clean Up in Cicero, Illinois.

Meet the organizations we support: